“Junction box accessed,” Pickles announces cheerfully. “Manual reset complete. Lighting systems restored in three... two... one...”
The lights flicker back on.
Papa and Dove jump apart.
I duck back around the corner, giggles bubbling in my chest—success!
“Phase Two complete,” Pickles says in my earpiece. “Kiss probability now calculated at seventy-eight percent. I am becoming quite proficient at this ‘not matchmaking’ activity.”
“You’re the best robot uncle ever!”
“I am not a robot. I am a sophisticated AI core. However, I accept the familial designation with... satisfaction.”
That night, Papa comes to tuck me in like always. His markings are still doing that soft steady glow.
Happy-bright. Family-bright. The way they used to be with Mama.
“Papa?”
“Yes, small one?”
“Your marks are really glowy lately. Like when Mama was here. Before she got sick.” I watch his face careful. “You’re happy with Dove here?”
He’s quiet for a long moment.
“Yes,” he finally says. “I am... very happy with Dove here.”
“Mama said you should find a smile-person. Someone who makes you smile real smiles.”
“Mama said that?”
I nod. “Before. When she was really sick and we had those talks. She said you should find someone who makes your marks glow bright again.”
Papa’s eyes get shiny-wet. He pulls me into a hug, careful with his claws.
“Mama was very wise,” he whispers.
“Dove makes you smile real smiles. And your marks glow bright. Like happy family patterns.”
Papa’s laugh is wet and warm. “Pickles is becoming concerningly involved in interpersonal dynamics.”
“He’s good at it though. He says you want to kiss Dove but you’re being stubborn.”
“He said what?”
“That both of you are being ‘remarkably stubborn about physical expression of mutual attraction.’”
Papa’s markings flare so bright they light up my whole room. “I’m going to have a conversation with that AI.”
“Don’t be mad at Pickles. He’s helping! Because I asked him to help make you happy again!”
Papa pulls back to look at me. His expression is soft and sad and happy all mixed together.
“Small one, I am happy. Because of you.”
“But three is better than two. Mama said that too. She said family is the people who stay.”
“Yes. She did say that.”
